Johann Zarco’s raw speed and undoubted class as a competitive MotoGP racer has proven to be the lure for KTM to make a move to lock the Frenchman into a two-year deal from 2019.
The KTM plan for next year accelerated at the Texas GP, where Zarco was targeted to join incumbent team man Pol Espargaro. KTM’s ambition to be a winning team requires the presence of a podium-level rider to understand the competitive position of their innovative, tube-framed V4-engined racer.
Zarco fits the bill rather than a high-profile, high-pressure choice of a superstar such as four-time world MotoGP champ Marc Marquez.
“Zarco is the only rider I’m really interested in,” said KTM chairman Stefan Pierer. “If Marc Marquez won on a KTM it would be the rider, and if he gets beaten it would be because of my motorcycle.”
Zarco’s talent first showed itself to the factory a decade ago as the winner of the 2007 Rookies Cup on a KTM.
It now appears Zarco has rejected an approach from Suzuki, which spoilt its chances by not going ahead with an option with the Frenchman two years ago.
And talks of a Zarco-HRC link are considered a long shot, given that Honda’s sole focus is on golden boy Marquez, who has won the squad four of the past five world championships.
By Colin Young
